Expert: Christopher Littrell - 7/1/2010

Question
Hi Chris, I was able to acquire seeds of Pinguicula Moranensis and Cyclosecta. Regarding the planting medium for sowing the seeds, is it true that the medium needs to be less acidic or basic? If it needs basic, would I need to add lime in the mixture? I have a ph meter to check the basicity of the medium if lime can be added.

Or perlite alone would suffice to sow the seeds?

I have a Pinguicula Sethos growing in a cocopeat perlite mixture, but when it comes to seed sowing, I'm not confident if the seeds would germinate in cocopeat perlite.

The planting medium that are available in my disposal:
- Agricultural lime
- Osmunda fiber
- Tree fern fiber
- Cocopeat
- Perlite

Thanks much for your valuable help.

Gad

Answer
Hello Gad,

I have not germinated Pinguicula seed yet, however; from what I understand, you can use a variety of soil types as Pinguicula are not too difficult when it comes to soil type. I have had mine growing normally in North American mixes of equal parts perlite and sphagnum peat and in equal parts vermiculite, perlite, and sphagnum peat. You could add some lime sand to the mix as Mexican Butterworts tend to like a bit less acidity and can be grown in neutral mixes (they are found growing near and on lime stone deposits in nature). The main thing to do is to use the most granulated and fine meduim on the top soil to drop the Pinguicula seeds on, then do not cover the seeds or just barely sprinkle some medium on the seeds. Never plant the seeds at any appreciable depth under the soil. Keep them moist, but not wet, all the time. They do like high humidity, so a bag over the pot might be useful if you home ambient humidity is not high enough to keep the seeds moist on the surface. Avoid cocopeat, it usually has additives that might be harmful to carnivorous plants. Use real Sphangum peat moss, perlite, and vermiculite. Repot every year to freshen the soil.

You might also want to ask this question of Sarracenia Northwest as they have more experience with Pinguiculas than I do. I am into my second year in experience with them. An easier way to propagate Pinguiculas would be simple leaf pullings. When you repot the plants, pull 2-3 healthy, adult leaves down around the base of the plant and they should pop right off with some white root material near the bottom. Place the leaves flat on your soil surface and wait about 3-4 weeks. They will begin sprouting a number of new plants along the base of the leaf. In 50 percent humidity this can be done with or without humidity covers.

Christopher